“After 13 years as one of the few regularly watchable shows on television, there are only two questions worth asking about The Simpsons. Is it still funny? And is it time it was put to sleep? On the evidence of this episode in the latest series, the answer in both cases is, paradoxically, yes. As a downcast Bart remarks mid-way through this episode, called Helter Shelter, “Is it just me, or are you guys getting sick of these crazy adventures?”
The sad truth is that The Simpsons is a victim of its own greatness, and has become an entertainment institution. History shows that such as transformation always means the death of creativity and risk-taking. Those two qualities, of course, were defining characteristics of the show in its first seven years or so, as it showered a grateful audience with an astounding cast of characters imitating life in Springfield, USA, and proving once and for all that the Americans can do irony. Without those key elements we are left with a cast of familiar characters and a stream of better than average jokes.” Read More >>>